Robber preying on female dentists gets 42 years

MANILA - A Manila court sentenced a 28-year-old man to 42 years in jail after it found him guilty of robbing three female dentists.

In an 11-page consolidated decision handed down by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 27 Judge Teresa Soriaso, the court found Manuel Garcia Jr. guilty in three counts of robbery. He was meted a maximum of 14 years for each count and ordered to pay his victims a total of P295,700.

Dentists Maricel Gabrentina, Edith Abuyo and Vina Enrile identified Garcia in open court as one of two men who broke into their dental clinics last July 25, Aug. 7 and July 5, respectively.

They said he ordered them to undress before robbing them of cash, valuables, and their automated teller machine (ATM) cards.

During the arraignment, Garcia pleaded not guilty and claimed he was selling barbecue with his live-in partner when the alleged crimes occurred.

Chief Inspector Alex Navarette, who heads Mayor Alfredo Lim’s special action team, launched a citywide manhunt for the suspect, leading to his arrest on Aug. 13.

Navarette said at least six female dentists came to his office and identified Garcia as the one who robbed them.

“Three more complainants are still awaiting resolution from the prosecutor’s office. The accused could be facing more convictions,” Navarette told The STAR.